Stark Insider TV: A Minister’s Wife (and Cher!)

Once again you’ve come to the right place for the awkward, egregious, period hopping cultural mash-up. How on earth we were able to go on location at the San Jose Rep to talk about a Victorian production, and end up with Loni dancing in a Cher wig will be for historians to analyse.

In this episode of Stark Insider TV we sit down with director Michael Halberstam to chat about A Minister’s Wife, the appeal of period dramas and love stories fueled by shows such as Downton Abbey, and the meaning of perspective when it comes to the playwright.

About that romanticism when looking back at yesteryear?

“I wonder sometimes if we get overwrought with a sense of nostalgia for a time that actually never was,” says Halberstam, “Humankind has always been complicated. You can think about times gone by, and in the process of doing so you can erase all the complications of your own life.”

Of course, we didn’t let Michael off scott free, and drill in deep (hardcore investigative style) to get the real scoop. Like, why is he searching the world over for the perfect macaroon – and what does that have to do with Thomas Keller?

Regarding the love triangle at the core of the musical Halberstam says “Hopefully your loyalties will swirl around in a beautiful chaos so you come to a glorious emotional purge in the finale.”

This segment marks the first time we’ve ventured inside the (expansive) costume shop at the Rep. Shannon Sigman gives us a special tour, and talks about some of the beautiful, multi-layered pieces from the show.

A world premiere, A Minister’s Wife (which is a re-telling of George Bernard Shaw’s Candida) opens tonight a the San Jose Repertory Theatre.

Regarding that Cher wig. I confess. I put Loni in one every now and then so that people don’t confuse Stark Insider with NPR and KQED.

Oh: beware the poet.

Let the show begin…

WATCH: What is it about Victorian-themed Love Stories?

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Clint is based in San Francisco and co-founded Stark Insider - a new media venture. His goal was to help fill the increasing gap in arts coverage. This site has consumed his every fiber. Yet, he still has time to talk Napa wine, review a play (ATCA member) or live show, and shoot videos. More: Clint's story...

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How the World Began focuses on the clash between religion and science in rural Kansas —and just how hard it is [...]

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How the World Began focuses on the clash between religion and science in rural Kansas —and just how hard it is to truly listen to one another in an increasingly polarized world.

Looking to rebuild her fractured life, high school biology teacher Susan relocates from New York City to a small Kansas town reeling in the aftermath of a devastating tornado. Ready for more than a little culture shock, Susan finds herself unprepared for the firestorm that engulfs the town after she makes an off-hand comment about the origin of the universe.

Trieschmann’s plays include The Bridegroom of Blowing Rock, Crooked, How the World Began, Hot Georgia Sunday, and The Most Deserving. Her work has been produced Off-Broadway at the Women’s Project, the Bush Theatre (London), Out of Joint at the Arcola Theatre (London), South Coast Repertory, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, American Theatre Company, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, among others. She has received commissions from South Coast Repertory, Manhattan Theatre Club, and the Denver Theatre Center. She is the recipient of the Weissberger Award, the Otis Guernsey New Voices Playwriting Award from the Inge Theatre Festival, and the Edgerton New Play Award. Originally from Athens, Georgia, she now lives in a small town in western Kansas.

Leah S. Abrams (Director) is the co-founder and executive director of Custom Made. For the company, she has directed multiple Beckett plays (Come and Go, Krapp’s Last Tape, Footfalls, etc.), Wendy Kesselman’s adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank, Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, Mark Eisman’s Dodo for President, and Lee Blessing’s Two Rooms. She co-directed Putting It Together and The Water Engine. Recent directing projects have included several staged readings in NYC and SF, and Mark Eisman’s Sightlines in NYC (2013) as well as for SF’s 2012 Studio Series. She is a graduate of Clark University.

Dare to live a little. Follow Stark Insider on Twitter and Facebook. Join our 8,300 subscribers who read SI on tablets and smartphones on the Google Newsstand. Prefer video? Subscribe to Stark Insider TV on YouTube, the largest (and quirkiest!) arts & entertainment and food/wine channel in San Francisco.

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We now know more about the upcoming 25th edition of the Cinequest Film Festival.
Opening February 24, the fest, based in San [...]

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We now know more about the upcoming 25th edition of the Cinequest Film Festival.

Opening February 24, the fest, based in San Jose, the epicenter of Silicon Valley, features 91 World and U.S. film premieres, a stellar lineup of film artists and technology innovators, Maverick Spirit Award events with renowned actor Rosario Dawson and directing legend John Boorman. Plus a new Future of Film Showcase.

“I think the most important thing about Cinequest is it’s definitely the first time I’ve ever come to a festival where my immediate reaction is, ‘What do I have to do to be invited back?’ and that’s not normally my reaction,” noted Maveric Spirit Award Winner Neil Gaiman. “It’s a perfect film festival in a glorious place.”

Cinequest Film Festival 25 (CQFF25) takes place February 24 – March 8th, 2015.

CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL 25

San Jose, California

Highlights:

Opening Night Screening and Celebration: February 24, 7:15 p.m., California Theatre: Cinequest Film Festival begins its 25th anniversary celebration with an electric combination of standout cinema and first-rate guests. CQFF25 opens at the majestic California Theatre, with Batkid Begins , director Dana Nachman’s powerful documentary, chronicling the amazing response to a young cancer patient’s desire to be the super hero for just one day, who “saves” San Francisco. Nachman’s stirring film details the undaunted spirit of Batkid Miles Scott, as the City by the Bay rallies around his “quest,” and captures the astounding social media reaction to Miles’s wish that exploded around the world. Post-screening festivities and fun will take place at the Farmers Union.

Maverick Spirit Award Events: Cinequest’s most prestigious accolade, the Maverick Spirit Award recognizes bold, visionary, and creative forces-the finest in the worlds of Silicon Valley innovation and the film arts. This year’s recipients are actor Rosario Dawson and director John Boorman.

John Boorman Presents Queen and Country February 26, 7:30p.m., California Theatre: Legendary Director Boorman (Deliverance, Hope and Glory, Zardoz,Excalibur, Where the Heart Lies) showcases his latest masterpiece Queen and Country at CQFF25.

An Evening With Rosario Dawson February 28, 7:30p.m., California Theatre: Screen sensation (Top Five, Sin City, He Got Game, Kids), singer, comic book creator, philanthropist, social activist, the multi-talented Rosario Dawson is a creative force as well as a dynamic advocate for social justice. A not-to-be-missed conversation with Ms. Dawson, moderated by Jennifer Siebel Newsom (MissRepresentation), will follow the Maverick Spirit Award presentation.

Media Legacy Award Events: Spotlighting writers who discover and follow cinematic art and innovation, Cinequest’s Media Legacy Award recognizes the pivotal role journalists play in connecting audiences to films and technologies, providing insight into artists, technologists, and the collaborative nature of both disciplines. CQFF25 recipients are Anne Thompson and Richard von Busack.

Wild Tales with Anne Thompson February 28, 7:30p.m., California Theatre: Join Anne Thompson for the award presentation and spirited conversation following a screening of the international sensation-and a Thompson favorite-Wild Tales. Six short narratives of wreaked vengeance, with both hilarious and catastrophic results, offer one of the most riotous cinematic rides you’ll ever encounter. A journalism trailblazer and global tastemaker for films and artists, Ms. Thompson’s sterling career includes highly regarded articles for leading publications such as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, Wired, Variety , LA Weekly, Premiere, Film Comment, and IndieWire.

L’Atalante with Richard von Busack. March 3, 7:30p.m., Camera 12 Cinemas: Revered by Bertolucci and Godard, Jean Vigo was a cinematic genius-L’Atalantehis masterpiece. Join Media Legacy Award winner Richard von Busack for a post-screening conversation and award presentation. “The story is fairy-tale simple, yet told with implications that are absolutely modern…a romance set against the iron and smoke of an industrial corridor, on the banks of a canal…. Jean, the newly married barge captain, takes his bride Juliette aboard L’Atalante to join the rest of the crew…. At first, the voyage is as happy as can be…[but] as the barge approaches Paris, Juliette begins to be bored, and…” (Richard von Busack, Metro Newspapers)

Picture The Possibilities Summit February 28, 3:00p.m., California Theatre: Picture The Possibilities (PTP) by Cinequest empowers global youth with the inspiration, tools, and confidence to form and realize personal dreams/visions-from art to science-regardless of whatever difficult situations and challenges they may have in their lives. This year at PTP Summit Silicon Valley, youth from around the world connect with luminaries to share their creations and empower each other and positively affect the future. The PTP Summit celebrates and fosters the creative force of science, technology, and art. PTP youth and industry notables picture possibilities then set about together to create and bring them to reality. Panelist/presenters include: Frederik G. Pferdt, Head of Innovation Programs at Google; Tania Anaissie of Stanford’s d.school; and Ellen McGirt, Senior Writer at Fast Company.

Premieres, Countries, and Star Performances: Ninety-one (91) World, North American and U.S. Premieres from 50 countries include performances by:

Janeane Garofalo (The Truth About Cats and Dogs) in The Assistant (short)

New Cinequest Future Of Film Showcase. Cinequest, Silicon Valley’s creativity and film institute, now 25 years strong, keenly focuses on the exciting possibilities the future holds. Cinequest’s unique nature and aggregate impact result from a powerful fusion of creativity, filmmaking and technological innovation-transforming our future in thrilling and provocative ways. To celebrate this legacy, Cinequest announces a breathtaking newFuture of Film showcase. Future of Film includes:

Barco Escape movies and experience : Technology has always facilitated the film arts, from Edison’s first moving picture cameras, to contemporary, digitally captured and internet-delivered cinema. Barco Escape technologies bring a thrilling new cinematic experience to audiences and a dramatic opportunity to film artists. Utilizing three screens of images and sound, Barco Escape immerses audiences in a virtually flowing stream, fostering a profoundly deeper engagement, visually, aurally, and emotionally. Experience this exciting new innovation at Cinequest 25. Programming includes a just-like-being-there Lady Gaga, in concert with Tony Bennett, as well as Cinequest filmmaker-produced shorts.

Cinequest is committed to building the world’s largest festival exhibition of student films. Engage with Stage One, the debut of CQFF25’s High School and College Film Competitions. Experience the voice and vision of tomorrow, with films that are moving and entertaining, prefacing a bright future for both filmmakers and audiences.

Meet The Luminaries Forums: moderated conversations with visionary pros in the realms of media technology, including producing, film finance connections with emerging artists and more.

Dare to live a little. Follow Stark Insider on Twitter and Facebook. Join our 8,300 subscribers who read SI on tablets and smartphones on the Google Newsstand. Prefer video? Subscribe to Stark Insider TV on YouTube, the largest (and quirkiest!) arts & entertainment and food/wine channel in San Francisco.

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With performances by multi-platinum-selling artists including Colbie Caillat and the group O.A.R., food by celebrity chefs and local stars, and the finest wines, the inaugural Yountville Live offers the ultimate Wine Country experience March 19-22 in the heart of the Napa Valley. Tickets are on sale now at Yountville Live.com.

Long considered the culinary and viticultural center of Napa Valley, Yountville is ultimate luxury get-away. With its world-class restaurants and lodging, and many of the Valley’s most celebrated wineries, Yountville combines small-town ambiance with a sophisticated lifestyle rooted in food, wine, arts, lush scenery and access to outdoor pursuits.

Yountville Live, presented by Volvo Cars of North America, offers a limited number of attendees unparalleled access to top recording artists, winemakers, and world-renowned chefs during a four-day super-luxe weekend of exclusive concerts, wine tastings, sumptuous meals and private winery tours. Yountville’s finest resorts and intimate inns are host to attendees who enjoy a total immersion in music, wine and food – not to mention Yountville’s spectacular Wine Country setting. This is an experience only Yountville can provide.

A star-studded line-up features Colbie Caillat, O.A.R, and Matt Nathanson performing at the Lincoln Theater, with additional artists to be announced soon.

Beginning on Thursday, Yountville Live breaks out into different tracks over the course of the festival, providing numerous intimate experiences each day. Several events are hosted at restaurants and wineries among the Yountville area’s most revered and will feature acoustic performances and food-and-wine pairings.

On Saturday, March 21, the festival partners with the long-standing “Taste of Yountville” for a grand tasting and music by some of today’s hottest and upcoming artists. The day will culminate with a performance by platinum-selling group O.A.R. at Lincoln Theater. O.A.R. is currently on tour across the country for their eighth album The Rockville LP featuring their new single “Favorite Song.”

Sunday attendees will be treated to a one-of-a-kind brunch followed by performances by Colbie Caillat and Matt Nathanson. Grammy Award-winning Caillat recently released her fourth studio album Gypsy Heart featuring her hit single “Try.” Nathanson, who recently released his single “Headphones,” is currently on tour across the country in support of his eighth studio album Last of the Great Pretenders.

Several levels of access will be available for this exclusive event, including elite All-Access 4-day passes, VIP 3-day passes, Music and Theater passes, and Taste of Yountville day passes.

YOUNTVILLE LIVE

Napa Valley Center for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Theater

March 19 – 22, 2015

Featuring Colbie Caillat, O.A.R., Matt Nathanson, and more acts to be announced.

Dare to live a little. Follow Stark Insider on Twitter and Facebook. Join our 8,300 subscribers who read SI on tablets and smartphones on the Google Newsstand. Prefer video? Subscribe to Stark Insider TV on YouTube, the largest (and quirkiest!) arts & entertainment and food/wine channel in San Francisco.